HAMPTON, Va. — Day one of the 8th annual Iverson Roundball Classic got underway with the 24k Showcase. Several talented players opened the first day before a packed Allen Iverson Gymnasium at Bethel High School.
You couldn't turn anywhere without seeing a familiar face from the NBA. Case in Tim Thomas, Stephen Jackson and Darrius Miles were sitting together courtside. A combined 36 years of experience from the NBA.
Then by halftime, the gym reached a fever pitch as the host of the event himself entered the building and greeted all the players. It's Iverson's 8th classic, but first in his home town of the 757. For the 48 year old Basketball Hall of Famer, a chance to give back where it all started.
"To be able to have the opportunity to help, you know. It's something for my community", he said. "To do as much as I can to help, like my community did for me."
Former Sixers teammate, Tim Thomas added, "He's doing something for the youth", he said. "We always try to lend out time and come back and share with the youth."
One of the more special moments of the evening came when Iverson met with Norfolk native and fellow NBA veteran Joe Smith. The two played against each other in high school. Smith, a former Maury product went number one overall in 1995. The follow year, Iverson was the top pick as well in 1996.
"We've been playing along side each other since we were like 12-13 years old", said Smith who was a first team All-American while at the University of Maryland. "We love where we're from. We love one another as brothers."
Iverson agreed. "It's always good to see people that you genuinely love and care about", he said. "Just to see him tonight was special to me. It's something that I'll cherish and remember for the rest of my life."
The Iverson Roundball Classic wraps up on Saturday at 7pm from the Hampton Coliseum with its All-American game.